NFL Trade Rumors: Dolphins linked with Steelers QB amid Tua Tagovailoa concerns
The Miami Dolphins are set to continue with Tua Tagovailoa as their quarterback for the 2023 season. However, with his injury history being a major concern due to multiple concussions, it's important for the franchise to have a veteran backup quarterback.
With Teddy Bridgewater set to hit free agency, reports say Miami might be exploring the quarterback market to find a new backup. According to ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler, there's one specific name they have set their sights on: Pittsburgh Steelers backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky.
"Trubisky is a name to watch in the coming weeks. The Steelers would like to keep him, but his $8 million salary on a $10.6 million cap hit is steeper than usual for a Pittsburgh backup. Miami could be a good fit for him, as the Dolphins need a capable veteran behind Tua Tagovailoa in case concussion issues persist."
Trubisky is coming from a four touchdown and five interception season for the Steelers, where he was benched in favor of first-round rookie Kenny Pickett. Pickett put in a better performance and kept Pittsburgh in the playoff hunt until the end of the season.
He signed a two-year, $14.8 million contract with the Steelers in 2022. Miami would have to trade with Pittsburgh to acquire his services.
How many concussions did Tua Tagovailoa suffer in the 2022 season?
In only his third season in the NFL, Tua Tagovailoa's injury history is lengthy. Officially, he suffered two concussions during 2022, but most people think he suffered three.
Tua on skipping the pro bowl: “I didn't think it was necessary that the first thing I came back to do football-related wasn't team-related with the Dolphins”
THATS OUR QB 🫡🐬 https://t.co/6A632UuvIu
During the Week 3 game against the Buffalo Bills, Tagovailoa suffered a hit that left him wobbly, but the team later dismissed it as a back issue. However, Miami played just four days later and Tagovailoa suffered a hit to the head that left NFL fans scared. Tagovailoa was knocked out cold and went into a fencing response before being removed from the game. He then missed the next two matches.
Tua Tagovailoa suffered his second (or third) concussion of the year in a game against the Green Bay Packers on Christmas Day. He failed to return for the 2022 season and the Miami Dolphins were eliminated from playoff contention following a Wild Card loss to the Buffalo Bills.